Exploring Arkansas

You're not likely to find moonshine, but you will enjoy one of the most picturesque drives in the Ozarks by taking the 110 mile Ozark Moonshine Run which utilizes six highways. Prim's round boulders have been quite the attraction for a long time. They're not so much a mystery, but are related to several geological processes dating back about ten thousand years. It's called Oil Town USA, but Smackover boasts of another attraction a ghost tour of five active "haunted" buildings plus three cemeteries. A pleasant Delta drive is the Great River Road, which is actually a national parkway of the Mississippi River, extending through ten states.

A lesser known float trip that is peaceful and picturesque is along War Eagle Creek north of Huntsville near Withrow Springs State Park. Previously in a EA episode, the wild cave tour at Blanchard Springs Caverns was featured..during this episode, in the developed section of the cavern, the Dripstone Trail is portrayed. The Petit Jean River Wildlife Management Area south of Dardanelle is one of the best areas in west central Arkansas for viewing shorebirds and wintering waterfowl-not to mention a couple of really neat old bridges. Shower Chair Falls and White Oak Creek Falls north of Ozark in the Ozark National Forest, are just a couple of the falls recently discovered by Brian Emfinger, one of the state's top waterfall explorers, photographers.

Mount Nebo near Dardanelle has always been a popular launching area for hang glider pilots. But, not too many folks are aware of the cascade and waterfall that can be explored by hiking one of the several trails. The town of Hardy boasts as being the smallest town in Arkansas with an official Main Street program. (population 720) Forty one buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. First getting national attention in a National Geographic magazine in 1979, Eva "Granny" Henderson who lived by herself along the Buffalo National River, became everyone's granny after the article was published. During this segment, her homestead is revisited with another author who leaves behind a memorial for everyone visiting Granny's cabin.

One of the simplest joys of life, that's also quite therapeutic..is flying a kite. At the annual Bentonville Kite Fest, usually every kite imaginable can be seen in the sky, and enjoyed by every generation.all in one location Natural Dam Falls, near the community of Natural Dam in the Ozark National Forest is just what the name suggests-a natural wall of rock spanning the entire length of a creek..creating a dam of sorts. For some, "Indian Trail Trees" are merely shrugged off as misfits of nature…but for others, these bent "L" shaped trees served a specific purpose as the "highway signs" for early Native Americans.

Lake Sequoyah near Fayetteville offers wonderful opportunities for fishing, kayaking, bird watching..and hiking along a trail that extends half way around the lake. A superb location for a leisurely float fishing outing, is along Osage Creek near Berryville. Rock Creek Valley near Deer is ideal for exploring towering bluffs..5 story tall pedestal rocks..and waterfalls.

The Iron Mountain Bike Trail along DeGray Lake near Arkadelphia, when completed will be about 26 miles long. It offers a nice adventure ride that can be done in sections, or the entire length depending upon your physical ability. Historic Washington State Park is exactly that-an entire town that happens to be a state park. Washington was an important stop along the rugged Southwest Trail to Texas. It's also the home of the legendary Bowie knife. The Yellow Rock Trail at Devil's Den State Park offers magnificent views in all directions from atop Yellow Rock itself.

The swimmin' hole at Falling Water Falls near Ben Hur in the Ozark National Forest is rated one of the best if not the best in the entire Ozark region. Sans Souci Landing southwest of Osceola along the Mississippi River is named after an 1854 plantation that occupied the site. It was also called Plum Point and was mentioned in Mark Twain's book – Life on the Mississippi. Bradley Park along the Little Buffalo River in Jasper is a serene setting for fishing and taking a cool dip. The designated Wildflower Routes of Arkansas contain 600 species of wildflowers along 1000 miles of highways.

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville has nine themed gardens, plus the region's only butterfly house. Arkansas' Wine Country in Altus is an officially designated American Vitacultural Area – same as California's Nappa Valley. The history of this wine-producing region dates back to the 1870's when German-Swiss immigrants settled the area and established their vineyards. The state's longest, fastest and highest zipline called the 'Iron Horse' happens to be at a dude ranch near Jasper – it's also one of the top ziplines in North America.

Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities in Arkansas. Park interpreters provide gear and instruction to explore first-hand the lake's fish, rocks and plants. The Beckham Creek Cave House was first featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. But, there's another side to it – the wild side, which has uncovered some unknown cave species within its depths. The Strawberry River has one of the greatest concentrations of aquatic biodiversity in North America. The stream's upper section has been designated as an Arkansas Natural and Scenic River. It's also a Preserve with The Nature Conservancy, whose motto is –'Saving The Last Great Places On Earth.'